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Resources

After we got done with our factor pair warm up, I gathered my students on the floor with their iPad and math journal to take notes as I presented their first exposure to area model/partial product concepts of multiplication. This method of learning to multiply multi-digit numbers deepens student understanding of the role of place value in a standard algorithm, later on. It lays the foundation needed to solve multi-digit number algorithms.

I asked a student to read the first standard listed on my board which refers to mastering multiplication using an area model to show place value understanding. I always ask students to read the standard or goal we are learning for the day to connect CCSS to their learning immediately. It helps them get used to the idea that they are expected to master their work. It sets the tone for diligence and goal setting.

After we solved about 3 more problems, I sorted out who understood and who needed help. I was ready to assign homework practice and allowed time in class to do it. That way, I could monitor their mastery and progress. I worked with individuals who were stuck in the process.

They worked till the end of class. This skill takes some adjustment and time, but really solidifies a foundation that helps in the future teaching of algorithms.

I assigned pages 226 8-15 and 227 1-6 ( one step word problems). I had copied off notes ahead of time for some of my students directly from the Notebook lesson so that they could refer to them while I taught. It was my hope that they would all use their notes while they worked on their assignment. No deal. I had to remind them. They just aren't used to it yet! This skill of using notes is foreign to them and it tells me that I need to work on teaching them how.

We worked for about 20 minutes until I saw that everyone could master at least 3 problems. I turned them loose on the story problems with no instruction except to tell them to use their KWS ( What do I know?, What do they want to know?, and How do I solve it?) strategy. I am just looking for the solution today. Tomorrow I plan to have them write equations using variables. They are so anxious to solve first, I just decided that for today, mastering area model, recognizing that these problems were multiplication of money and labeling them correctly was enough. I am hoping to see some variables from my higher level students.